licensing school

Already registered? Scroll to the bottom of the page to download your assignments and order your textbooks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Can Attend?

Persons who have completed the Candidacy process, received the recommendation of their local church Pastor-Parish Relations Committee & Charge Conference, been approved by their District Committee on Ordained Ministry, and will be appointed in the coming year. Exceptions may be made at the request of D.S.'s for persons currently serving an appointment, or who will be appointed in the coming Conference year. Applications must be signed by the candidate's Mentor and District Superintendent.

When Is the School Held?

On 10 weekends beginning in January and concluding in May each year. Each weekend begins on Friday evening and ends on Saturday afternoon and includes 8 hours of class time.﻿﻿ Students are expected to begin in January and move through the entire sequence of classes in the same year. ﻿﻿

Where Do the Classes Take Place?

The January, late March and early April sessions are held at Millsaps College in conjunction with the MS Course of Study. In February, early March, late April and May, classes meet in St. Luke's UMC in Jackson.​What Does Licensing School Cover? What Will I Learn?

The Licensing School includes courses in worship and sacraments, preaching, the United Methodist tradition, pastoral care, administration, and Christian education.

What Can I Expect Once I Finish the School?

Licenses are granted by the Bishop at the Annual Conference session to those who have completed the School and are receiving an appointment.

Download the brochure (found at the top of this page) for details about schedule, expectations, and fees.

For more information, contact the Center for Ministry at 601-974-1488.

The Center for Ministry, based at Millsaps College, administers the Licensing School under the direction of the Mississippi Annual Conference Board of Ordained Ministry and the Office of Spiritual Leadership.

How do I register?

You can pre-register and pay online by clicking the "Register Online" button above. You can also register by downloading the brochure (found at the top of this page), filling it out, and mailing, emailing or faxing it back to the Center for Ministry. Whether your register online or using the brochure, you must turn in a form or confirmation email signed by both your Mentor and District Superintendent.

I've registered! What Do I Do Now?

Have your DS and Mentor sign your registration form, or your pre-registration confirmation email, and return it to the Center for Ministry via mail, email, or fax. Then scroll down to Resources for Current Students to download your assignment list and to purchase your textbooks.